Methods for diagnosing and evaluating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH or for classifying a subject as a potential receiver or non receiver of a treatment of NASH using circulating miRNAs and other blood circulating markers of liver damage, e.g. alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, miR-34 and miR-200. It also relates to a kit for implementing the method of the invention, and the compounds for use in a method for the treatment of NASH, wherein the subject to be treated is identified, evaluated or classified according to the method of the invention.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/759,484, filed Mar. 12, 2018, which is a U.S. national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of international application number PCT/EP2016/071727, filed Sep. 14, 2016, which claims priority to EP application number 15306412.6, filed Sep. 14, 2015, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The application contains a Sequence Listing that has been filed electronically in the form of a text file, created Jun. 24, 2022, and named “112360-0040-70014US01_SEQ.TXT” (1,858 bytes), the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH or for classifying a subject as a potential receiver or non receiver of a treatment of NASH. It also relates to a kit for implementing the method of the invention, and the compounds for use in a method for the treatment of NASH, wherein the subject to be treated is identified, evaluated or classified according to the method of the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive disease of the liver characterized histologically by fatty acid accumulation, hepatocyte damage and inflammation resembling alcoholic hepatitis. NASH is a critical stage in the process that spans from hepatic steatosis to cirrhosis and liver failure. A careful history of a lack of significant alcohol intake is essential to establish this diagnostic. NASH is one of the most common causes of elevated aminotransferases in patients referred for evaluation to hepatologists. Obesity and type-2 diabetes are associated to NASH. Since the prevalence of these diseases is increasing, the prevalence of NASH is also expected to increase and therefore, this disease is becoming an emerging public issue in the United States as well as in other countries.

Although several attempts have been made to propose non-invasive methods for diagnosing and determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH, as of today histological analysis of liver biopsies remains the optimal approach for differentiating NASH from early stage steatosis. Steatosis, lobular and portal inflammation, hepatocyte injury in the forms of ballooning and apoptosis, and fibrosis are features of NASH evaluated from the biopsy. However, liver biopsy has a number of obvious drawbacks. First, the material collected in liver biopsy represents only a very small part of the liver of the diagnosed subject, thereby raising doubts on whether the collected sample is representative of the global state of the subject's organ. Moreover, liver biopsy is a very invasive procedure that may be cumbersome, worrisome and painful for the patient, and which raises concerns about morbidity and mortality. At last, in view of the foregoing, liver biopsy cannot be reasonably proposed as a routine procedure for determining whether a person in the general population, or even patients at risk of NASH, suffers from NASH and/or for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in said person.

Therefore, a strong need exists in providing accurate, non-invasive, means for diagnosing and determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on a very fine and complete analysis of a vast number of variables determined from more than 300 high quality samples obtained from NASH patients during a clinical trial conducted by the Applicant (study GFT505-212-7-NCT01694849), including histological data obtained from liver biopsies of the patients. This study led to the discovery of key circulating factors (or biomarkers) indicative of NASH and of its severity or stage or activity.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, comprising the measure of the level of at least one blood, serum or plasma circulating micro-RNA marker of NASH and at least one other blood, serum or plasma circulating marker of liver damage.

Preferably, this first aspect of the invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, comprising the step of measuring the level of at least one marker selected from either group (i), (ii) or (iii), and at least one marker selected from either group (iv) or (v) defined as follows:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin     -   (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III     -   (iv) hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p)     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In a particular embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises the implementation of the following measures from a blood, serum or plasma sample of said subject:

-   -   (i) determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of HbA1c, fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level;     -   (iii) determining the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of         collagen type III;     -   (iv) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of hsa-miR-34, hsa-miR-122 and hsa-miR-192;         and     -   (v) determining the level of hsa-miR-200;         wherein an increase in said levels relative to that of a control         sample is indicative of NASH and/or of the activity, the stage,         or the severity of NASH.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention:

-   -   measure (ii) comprises determining the level of at least HbA1c;         and/or     -   measure (iv) comprises determining the level of at least         hsa-miR-34.

In another aspect, the method of the first aspect comprises determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 and hsa-miR-200.

In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, a NASH score is calculated from the levels determined in measures (i) to (v) and wherein NASH is diagnosed and/or NASH stage or activity or severity is determined on the basis of said NASH score.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function:

$S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$

wherein:

Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F

wherein:

S is the NASH score;

A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L;

B is the level of HbA1c in percent;

C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL;

D is the level of hsa-miR-34 in Cq;

F is the level of hsa-miR-200 in Cq;

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and 0.

In a specific variant of this embodiment:

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0.001 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0.001 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and −0.001;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and −0.04.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect, a NASH score higher than a threshold value comprised between 0.102 and 0.6465 is indicative of a severe NASH, or of a moderate or high NASH activity.

In a variant of this embodiment:

k is equal to 25.13;

a is equal to 0.60;

b is equal to 0.48;

c is equal to 0.1;

d is equal to −0.43; and

f is equal to −0.45;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.102 and 0.462, and is more particularly equal to 0.23.

In an alternative variant of this embodiment:

k is equal to 21.35;

a is equal to 0.62;

b is equal to 0.55;

c is equal to 0.14;

d is equal to −0.38; and

f is equal to −0.39;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.2319 and 0.6465, and is more particularly equal to 0.4343

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for classifying a subject as a receiver or non receiver of a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), comprising the measure of the level of at least one blood, serum or plasma circulating micro-RNA marker of NASH and at least one other blood, serum or plasma circulating marker of liver damage.

Preferably, this second aspect of the invention relates to a method for classifying a subject as a receiver or non receiver of a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), comprising the step of measuring the level of at least one marker selected from either group (i), (ii) or (iii), and at least one marker selected from either group (iv) or (v) defined as follows:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin     -   (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III     -   (iv) hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p)     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In a particular embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method comprises the implementation of the following measures from a blood, serum or plasma sample of said subject:

-   -   (i) determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of HbA1c, fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level;     -   (iii) determining the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of         collagen type III;     -   (iv) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a,         more particularly hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular         hsa-miR-122-5p) and hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p);         and     -   (v) determining the level of hsa-miR-200 (in particular         hsa-miR-200a, more particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p);         wherein a NASH score is calculated from the levels determined in         measures (i) to (v) and wherein the subject is classified as a         receiver or non receiver of the treatment for NASH based on said         score.

In a further embodiment of the second aspect:

-   -   measure (ii) comprises determining the level of at least HbA1c;         and/or     -   measure (iv) comprises determining the level of at least         hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p).

In another embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly hsa-miR-34a-5p) and hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In yet another embodiment of the second aspect, the NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function:

$S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$

wherein:

Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F

wherein:

S is the NASH score;

A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L;

B is the level of HbA1c in percent;

C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL;

D is the level of hsa-miR-34 in Cq;

F is the level of hsa-miR-200 in Cq;

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and 0.

In a variant of this embodiment:

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0.001 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0.001 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and −0.001;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and −0.04.

In yet another embodiment of the second aspect, the subject is classified as a receiver of the treatment if S is higher than a threshold value comprised between 0.102 and 0.6465.

In a variant of this embodiment:

k is equal to 25.13;

a is equal to 0.6;

b is equal to 0.48;

c is equal to 0.1;

d is equal to −0.43; and

f is equal to −0.45;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.102 and 0.462, and is more particularly equal to 0.23.

In an alternative variant of this embodiment:

k is equal to 21.35;

a is equal to 0.62;

b is equal to 0.55;

c is equal to 0.14;

d is equal to −0.38; and

f is equal to −0.39;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.2319 and 0.6465, and is more particularly equal to 0.4343.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for calculating a NASH score which is indicative of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or of the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, wherein said score is based on the measure of at least one marker selected from either group (i), (ii) or (iii), and at least one marker selected from either group (iv) or (v) defined as follows:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin     -   (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III     -   (iv) hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p)     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In an embodiment of the third aspect, the following (i) to (v) measures are determined from a blood, serum or plasma sample of said subject:

-   -   (i) the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) the level of at least one marker selected in the group         consisting of HbA1c, fasting glucose level, fructosamine level;     -   (iii) the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III;     -   (iv) the level of at least one marker selected in the group         consisting of hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more         particularly hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular         hsa-miR-122-5p) and hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p);         and     -   (v) the level of hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more         particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In a particular embodiment of the third aspect, the method comprises determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly hsa-miR-34a-5p) and hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p), wherein the NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function:

$S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$

wherein:

Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F

wherein:

S is the NASH score;

A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L;

B is the level of HbA1c in percent;

C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL;

D is the level of hsa-miR-34 in Cq;

F is the level of hsa-miR-200 in Cq;

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and 0.

In a specific variant of this embodiment:

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0.001 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0.001 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and −0.001;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and −0.04.

In another specific variant of this embodiment:

k is equal to 25.13;

a is equal to 0.6;

b is equal to 0.48;

c is equal to 0.1;

d is equal to −0.43; and

f is equal to −0.45.

In yet another specific variant of this embodiment:

k is equal to 21.35;

a is equal to 0.62;

b is equal to 0.55;

c is equal to 0.14;

d is equal to −0.38; and

f is equal to −0.39.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising means for determining the level of:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of         HbA1c, fasting glucose level, fructosamine level;     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III;     -   (iv) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of         has-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p); and     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In an embodiment, the kit of the fourth aspect comprises means for determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly hsa-miR-34a-5p) and hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In a fifth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject, comprising:

(a) diagnosing NASH or determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject according to the method described above;

(b) administering a treatment for NASH to said subject based on step (a).

In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject, comprising:

(a) classifying said subject according to the method described above;

(b) administering a treatment for NASH to the subject if said subject is classified as receiver of the treatment according to step (a).

In an embodiment of the fifth and sixth aspects, treatment comprises administering to the subject a compound of formula (I):

wherein:

X1 represents a halogen, a R1, or G1-R1 group;

A represents a CH═CH or a CH2-CH2 group;

X2 represents a G2-R2 group;

G1 and G2, identical or different, represent an atom of oxygen or sulfur;

R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group, an aryl group or an alkyl group that is substituted by one or more halogen atoms, an alkoxy or an alkylthio group, cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkylthio groups or heterocyclic groups;

R2 represents an alkyl group substituted by at least a —COOR3 group, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, or heterocyclic groups.

R4 and R5, identical or different, representing an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another particular embodiment of the fifth and sixth aspects, the compound is selected in the group consisting of 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxy phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-isopropyloxy carbonyldimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyldimethylmethyloxyphenyl] prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethylphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyl dimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethylphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1- one, 1-[4-trifluoromethyl oxyphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyldimethylmethyloxy phenyl] prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethyloxyphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyl oxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-3-oxo-propyl] phenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid, and 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[4-(methylthio) phenyl]-3-oxo-propyl]phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid isopropyl ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another particular embodiment of the fifth and sixth aspects, the compound is 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxy phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another particular embodiment of the fifth and sixth aspects, the treatment comprises administering to the subject a compound of Table 1 as shown below.

Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description.

LEGENDS OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1G show comparison of the NASH scoring according to the method of the invention derived from the Bootstrap model with existing scores. FIG. 1A: Bootstrap model. FIG. 1B: Angulo Index. FIG. 1C: ELF. FIG. 1D: FibroTest. FIG. 1E: Fibrometre S. FIG. 1F: FLI. FIG. 1G: Steatosis Grade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject. It also relates to a method for classifying a subject as a receiver or non receiver of a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This classification may also be the base for further determining whether a subject should undergo further confirmation of NASH by methods known in the art such as by undergoing liver biopsy.

The invention stems from the identification of a defined set of circulating markers that, when considered collectively, are indicative of NASH and/or of the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in the subject tested for NASH or for its severity or stage or activity. The invention relates in particular to a method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, combining the determination of the level of circulating micro-RNA(s) (miRNA(s)) and other circulating markers of liver damage.

Furthermore, the data collected by the inventors were processed according to two different biostatistical approaches leading to the determination of a score that is indicative of the disease and/or its severity or stage or activity, thereby providing a powerful, accurate and highly predictive tool for the physician to easily determine whether a subject is suffering from NASH, or to determine the stage or activity or severity of the disease. This score, otherwise termed “NASH score” in the following description, is an invaluable tool for both the practitioner and the subjects in need thereof, as it allows the diagnosis or the determination of the severity or stage or activity of NASH using a non-invasive procedure, i.e. without relying on liver biopsy.

The methods of the invention comprise the measure of at least one marker which is a micro-RNA marker and at least one other circulating markers of liver damage. The methods of the invention more particularly comprise the measure of the level of at least one marker selected from groups (i), (ii), and (iii), and at least one marker selected from groups (iv) and (v) below.

In a particular embodiment, the methods of the invention comprise the measure of the level of:

-   -   at least one marker selected in groups (i), (ii) and (iii) and         at least one marker from each groups (iv) and (v);     -   at least one marker selected from each groups (i) and (ii)         or (ii) and (iii) or (i) and (iii), and at least one marker         selected from groups (iv) and (v);     -   at least one marker selected from each groups (i), (ii)         and (iii) and at least one marker selected from groups (iv) and         (v);     -   at least one marker in each groups of markers (i), (ii),         (iii), (iv) and (v) below, i.e.:         -   the marker listed in (i); and         -   at least one marker listed in (ii); and         -   the marker listed in (iii); and         -   at least one marker listed in (iv);         -   the marker listed in (v).

The groups of markers are defined as follows:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin     -   (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III     -   (iv) hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p)     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

According to the present invention “non-alcoholic steatohepatitis” or “NASH” is defined as the presence of liver steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning and liver inflammation. To this basic definition of the disease, NASH may further include liver fibrosis.

According to the present invention, the subject is a mammal, in particular a human subject. The invention, thanks to its non-invasive nature, may be implemented on any subject, such as a subject with no known or suspected predisposition to NASH. However, in a particular embodiment, the subject is a subject at risk of having NASH or of developing NASH in the future, such as a subject having obesity, diabetes, suffering from the metabolic syndrome, or having elevated liver enzymes, or who was previously diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (or liver steatosis). The subject may also be a subject with already identified NASH, the method of the invention thereby allowing determining the risks of evolution of the disease towards hepatocarcinoma or liver transplantation or a cardiovascular disease.

The levels of the markers measured in the present invention are determined from a body fluid of the subject, which may in particular be a blood, more particularly serum or plasma sample.

The level of the markers identified by the inventors may be determined by conventional methods well known in the art, such as immunoassays (e.g. ELISA), or molecular and biochemical assays (quantitative PCR, colorimetric assays), or analytical methods (such as mass spectrometry), depending on the biomarker type (such as a protein, a micro-RNA, glucose level, . . . ). When the tested marker is a micro-RNA, its measure may be carried out according to a number of methods well-known in the art, such as that presented in the examples below. Briefly, the measures are carried out from total RNA extracted from a plasma sample, in particular a cell-free, platelet-free plasma sample. An appropriate internal control (such as a micro-RNA of known sequence and quantity, e.g. C. elegans miR-39) may be added to the sample before RNA extraction. Cq values are determined using quantitative PCR. Commercial kits are available for conducting such assays. For example, the Taqman miRNA qRT-PCR assay: Taqman MicroRNA Reverse transcription Kit, TaqMan MicroRNA Assay 20×, and TaqMan Universal Master Mix II (Applied Biosystems) may be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Reverse transcription may be performed using readily available PCR systems, such as the GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems), with appropriate cycling parameters such as 16° C. for 30 minutes followed by 42° C. for 30 minutes and 85° C. for 5 minutes before holding at 4° C. The reverse transcription may be implemented in the multiplexed format. Quantitative PCT is then conducted using a quantitative PCR system such as the CFX96™ Real-Time System (C1000 Touch™ Thermal Cycler, BioRad). Cycling conditions may be the following: 95° C. for 10 minutes followed by 95° C. for 15 sec and 60° C. for 60 sec for a total of 50 cycles and 30° C. for 30 sec. Cq determination mode may be set of Regression in the quantitative PCR system. In a particular embodiment, the Cq value determined according to the method of the invention is the Cq value which is obtainable using the above specific parameters and material. Cq values of samples may be excluded from the analysis if values are above the maximum Cq of the standard curve of each miRNA. The standard curve may be used to assess the reaction efficiency. Serial dilution may be performed over eight points starting from the most concentrated cDNA sample, to ensure the standard curve covers all potential template concentrations that may be encountered during the study. The standard curve may be constructed by plotting the log of the starting quantity of the template against the Cq values obtained.

According to the present invention, a subject is diagnosed having NASH, or is diagnosed as potentially having NASH or likely to have NASH, when all the levels of markers selected and measured in each of group (i) to (v) are increased when compared to reference values obtained from a control (or reference) sample. The reference sample may correspond to a body fluid sample, such as a blood, serum or plasma sample obtained from one or more subjects, such as two or more, who do not have NAFLD or NASH.

In the present invention, the levels of biomarkers measured as described above may also be used to determine a disease score, otherwise named NASH score. The disease score may be compared with a threshold value that distinguishes between low, moderate, and high NASH activity, or moderate and severe NASH. According to the present invention, this information may be advantageously used to determine whether a subject will receive or not a therapeutic treatment for NASH. Only those subjects with a moderate to high NASH activity or severe NASH will be treated. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for classifying a subject as a receiver or non receiver of a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), said method comprising the determination of the levels of the markers as defined above, the calculation of a NASH score, and the classification of the subject as receiver or non receiver of the treatment based on said NASH score. In addition, the classification of the subject may also be used to determine a low NASH activity or a moderate NASH in the subject, and providing to the subject based on this classification diet and lifestyle recommendations to reverse NASH.

According to the present invention, those subjects classified as moderate to high NASH activity, or as severe NASH patients are considered as receivers, or potential receivers, of a treatment for NASH. In the context of the present invention, a moderate to high NASH activity or a severe NASH patient is defined as, or equivalent to, a patient presenting the following liver biopsy-derived grades:

-   -   steatosis grade≥1     -   hepatocyte ballooning grade≥1     -   lobular inflammation grade≥1     -   NAS (NAFLD Activity Score)≥4 (NAS is defined as the sum of the         steatosis grade, hepatocyte ballooning grade and lobular         inflammation grade)     -   fibrosis stage≥2 (such as a fibrosis equal to 2, 3 or 4, in         particular 2 or 3)

In a particular embodiment, the NASH score of the invention is calculated from the following marker levels measured as provided above:

-   -   level of alpha 2 macroglobulin (LVBP_A2M_GL); and     -   level of HbA1c (LBBC_HBA1C_PERC); and     -   level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III (LVB_P3NP);         and     -   level of hsa-miR-34 (in particular miR-34a, more particularly         miR-34a-5p) (LVMK_HSA_MIR34A_MULTI1_CQ); and     -   level of hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more         particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p) (LVMK_HSA_MIR200A_MULTI1_CQ).

In a further particular embodiment, the score is defined as a logistic function:

$S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$

wherein:

Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F

wherein:

S is the NASH score;

A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L;

B is the level of HbA1c in percent (e.g. B is equal to 10 if measured HbA1c percentage is 10%);

C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL;

D is the level of hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly hsa-miR-34a-5p) in Cq;

F is the level of hsa-miR-200 (in particular c hsa-miR-200a, more particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p) in Cq;

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and 0.

In a further particular embodiment, the score is calculated according to the above logistic function, wherein:

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0.001 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0.001 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and −0.001;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and −0.04.

The NASH score thus is the probability of having a moderate to high NASH activity or a severe NASH. If S as determined for a subject is greater or equal to a threshold value, the subject is classified as to be treated for NASH, or to potentially be treated for NASH. If S is lower than a threshold value, the subject is classified as not to be treated, and/or the subject is classified as receiver, or potential receiver, of diet and lifestyle advices for managing its low NASH activity or moderate NASH.

According to a particular embodiment, the subject is classified as a receiver, or potential receiver, of a treatment if S is higher than or equal to a threshold value comprised between 0.102 and 0.6465.

In a particular embodiment, derived from the median model as described in the experimental part of this application:

k is equal to 25.13;

a is equal to 0.6;

b is equal to 0.48;

c is equal to 0.1;

d is equal to −0.43; and

f is equal to −0.45;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.102 and 0.462, and is more particularly equal to 0.23.

In a particular embodiment, derived from the bootstrap model as described in the experimental part of this application:

k is equal to 21.35;

a is equal to 0.62;

b is equal to 0.55;

c is equal to 0.14;

d is equal to −0.38; and

f is equal to −0.39;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.2319 and 0.6465, and is more particularly equal to 0.4343.

The present invention also relates to a kit comprising means for determining the level of:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of         HbA1c, fasting glucose level, fructosamine level;     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III;     -   (iv) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of         hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p); and     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

In a particular embodiment of the invention, said kit comprises means for determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly miR-34a-5p) and hsa-miR-200a (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly hsa-miR-200a-3p).

The kit of the invention is useful for implementing the methods described above may further optionally include instructions for implementing said methods. The kit may comprise reagents and buffers appropriate for conducting measures of the levels of markers identified above. In particular, the kit may comprise antibodies specific for a protein to be quantified, and/or primers useful for quantifying micro-RNA levels, as well-known in the art.

The present invention further relates to a method for treating NASH in a subject, comprising:

(a) diagnosing NASH or determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject according to the methods provided above;

(b) administering a treatment for NASH to said subject based on step (a).

The present invention further relates to a method for treating NASH in a subject, comprising:

(a) classifying said subject according to the method of classification as defined above;

(b) administering a treatment for NASH to the subject if said subject is classified as receiver of the treatment according to step (a).

The present invention further relates to a method for managing low NASH activity, or moderate NASH in a subject, comprising:

(a) classifying said subject according to the method of classification as defined above;

(b) providing diet and lifestyle recommendations to the subject if said subject is classified as non receiver of the treatment according to step (a).

The method for treating NASH according to the present invention comprise the administration of one or more compound(s) to the subject in need thereof such as a compound of formula (I):

wherein:

X1 represents a halogen, a R1, or G1-R1 group;

A represents a CH═CH or a CH2-CH2 group;

X2 represents a G2-R2 group;

G1 and G2, identical or different, represent an atom of oxygen or sulfur;

R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group, an aryl group or an alkyl group that is substituted by one or more halogen atoms, an alkoxy or an alkylthio group, cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkylthio groups or heterocyclic groups;

R2 represents an alkyl group substituted by at least a —COOR3 group, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, or heterocyclic groups.

R4 and R5, identical or different, representing an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a particular embodiment of this method for the treatment of NASH, the compound of formula (I) is selected in the group consisting of 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxy phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-isopropyloxy carbonyldimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyldimethylmethyloxyphenyl] prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethylphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyl dimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethylphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethyl oxyphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyldimethylmethyloxy phenyl] prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethyloxyphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyl oxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-3-oxo-propyl] phenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid, and 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[4-(methylthio) phenyl]-3-oxo-propyl]phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid isopropyl ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In a further particular embodiment of the invention, the compound of formula (I) is 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxy phenyl]prop-2- en-1-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Other compounds that might be used in the method for the treatment of NASH of the present invention may include, without limitation, a compound selected from the following classes and specific compounds of table 1.

TABLE 1 Class Compound Alanine transaminase stimulator HU-002 11-beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase RO5093151 (HSD) inhibitor Aldosterone antagonist, anti-oxydant Spirono-lactone/Vit E Amino-acid SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) Analog of human leptin Metreleptin Anti-apoptotic caspase inhibitor Emricasan (IDN-6556) Antibiotic Rifaximin Anti-oxidant MitoQ Vitamin E Anti-Oxidant PPARγ Vitamin E Pioglitazone Anti-oxydant Cysteamine (Cystagon-EC) Siliphos Anti-oxydant Biguanide Vitamin EMetformin Bovine Colostrum IMM 124-E Inflammation Caspase Inib GS-9450 SCD1 inhibitors Aramchol DGATI inhibitors LCQ908 Fish oil supplement Omega 3 PUFA Opti-EPA Flavonoid MEDOX (Anthocyanin) Silymarin FXR agonist OCA (obeticholic acid) galectin inhibitor GR-MD-02 GLP-1 Agonist Exenatide GLP1 mimetic Liraglutide Immuno-modulator Oral anti a-CD3 EGS21 Bile acids UDCA Iron Chelator Deferasirox ICL 670 Exjade ® Lipid Lowering agent Ezetimibe musculotropic vasodilator Pentoxifylline Omega 3 Lovaza EPA-E (MND-21)

EXAMPLES Sample Collection and Analysis Clinical Study

The clinical trial (phase 2 GOLDEN-505 trial in NASH (GFT505-212-7-NCT01694849) is a multicentre, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Elafibranor (1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxy phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one) once daily on steatohepatitis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Liver biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis of NASH after appropriate exclusion of liver disease of other etiology. NASH was diagnosed as steatohepatitis evaluated by liver biopsy within 6 months before randomization. Steatohepatitis confirmation was based on central reading of liver biopsies. NASH patients were defined with a NAS≥3 including steatosis grade≥1 and hepatocyte ballooning≥1 and lobular inflammation≥1.

The study was approved by appropriate regulatory bodies at each participating center and all patients had given consent for participation in medical research.

Blood Sampling and Laboratory Testing

Blood samples were collected according to the Central Laboratory Protocol and Manual—Genfit—GFT505-212-7.

According to the study protocol, following analyses were performed.

HEMATOLOGY includes hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, leukocytes, differential leukocyte count (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, basophils -abs. and % values), platelets and reticulocytes.

BIOCHEMISTRY Panel I includes plasma glucose, triglycerides (TG), creatinine, creatinine clearance, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), alkaline phosphatase, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and HbA1c.

BIOCHEMISTRY Panel II includes plasma glucose, creatinine, creatinine clearance, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, uric acid, urea expressed as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), bilirubin total, bilirubin conjugated, C-reactive protein (hsCRP), AST/ALT Ratio and HbA1c.

URINALYSIS includes:

-   -   Dipstick analysis (specific gravity, pH, RBC, leukocytes,         glucose, protein, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen and nitrite)     -   Microscopy analysis includes RBC, WBC, casts, crystals,         bacteria, epithelial cells and yeasts.     -   Chemistry analysis (albumin and creatinine)

SEROLOGY includes HIV ab I/II, HCV ab, HCV RNA (only tested upon receipt of HCV RNA Visit samples and in case of ‘reactive’ or ‘indeterminate’ result for HCV Ab) and HbsAg.

LIPID PANEL includes triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, non HDL-C (calculation), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (calculation), calculated very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (calculation), apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB).

URINE CHEMISTRY includes alpha-1-microglobulin, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase(beta-NAG) and neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin(N-Gal)

SAFETY MARKERS includes homocysteine, NT-ProBNP, Troponin T, Cystatin C, and Beta2-microglobulin.

GLYCEMIC AND OTHER LIPIDIC PARAMETERS includes leptin, insulin, homeostatic model assesment (HOMA-IR), serum glucose (for calculation of HOMA-IR), fructosamine, C-peptide and free fatty acids (FFA).

INFLAMMATORY MARKERS includes haptoglobin, fibrinogen, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) Ag (citrate).

LIVER MARKERS includes cytokeratin-18 (CK18) (M65 & M30), adinopectin, ferritin, alpha2 macroglobulin, FGF19 & FGF21, hyaluronic acid (Advia centaur, reagentiaprocured by Siemens Belgium and charged to Genfit in pass-through), N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III (PIIINP) (Advia centaur, reagentia procured by Siemens Belgium) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1) (Advia centaur, reagentiaprocured by Siemens).

Sample Collection & Storage

Blood samples used in this biomarker study were drawn from patients of the 505.212.7 study before treatment period. Written, informed consent for collection, storage and use of additional samples was obtained from every patient.

Blood collected in citrate containing tubes 2.7 mL was processed by separating cell-free plasma from blood cells within 15 minutes of collection by centrifugation at 1,500×g for 15 minutes. The supernatant plasma was transferred to a new tube. Tubes were kept at −70° C.

To proceed to RNA extraction, plasma tubes were then centrifuged at 13,000×g for 2 min to pellet and remove the platelets. The supernatant platelet-free plasma was transferred to a new tube, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80° C.

Total RNA Extraction and Quantitation of miRNA

Total RNA with preserved miRNAs was extracted from 400 μl of platelet-free plasma by miRNeasy extraction kit (miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit (cat. no. 217184)) and using a plasma/QIAzol ratio of 1:5 according to the manufacturer's instructions. Synthetic spiked-in C. elegans miR-39 was added to the samples [3,125 fmoles] prior to RNA extraction as internal control of RNA extraction process. The elution was performed in 18 μl of elution buffer.

Expression of mature miRNAs was detected according to the manufacturer's instructions using the Taqman miRNA qRT-PCR Assay: TaqMan MicroRNA Reverse transcription Kit (Ref: 4366596, Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, Calif.), TaqMan MicroRNA Assay 20× (Ref: 4440887, Applied Biosystems) and TaqMan Universal Master Mix II (Ref: 4440040, Applied Biosystems).

Reverse Transcription were performed using a GeneAmp® PCR System 9700 thermal cycler (Ref: 200005, Applied Biosystems) with cycling conditions of 16° C. for 30 minutes followed by 42° C. for 30 minutes and 85° C. for 5 minutes before holding at 4° C. The Reverse transcription was multiplexed with 4 miRNA specific-reverse primers in order to conserve RNA sample.

Quantitative PCR were performed using a CFX96™ Real-Time System (C1000 Touch™ Thermal Cycler, BioRad) with cycling conditions of 95° C. for 10 minutes followed by 95° C. for 15 sec and 60° C. for 60 sec for a total of 50 cycles and 30° C. for 30 sec.

The sequences of specific primers for miRNA of potential interest were chosen according to the following table 2.

TABLE 2 sequences of tested miRNA Assay id (Life Mature Technolo Sequence of mirBase miRNA gies) mature miRNA number Supplier cel-miR- 000200 UCACCGGGUGUA MIMAT0 Life 39-3p AAUCAGCUUG 000010 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 1) hsa-miR- 002245 UGGAGUGUGACA MIMAT0 Life 122-5p AUGGUGUUUG 000421 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 2) hsa-miR- 000426 UGGCAGUGUCUU MIMAT0 Life 34a-5p AGCUGGUUGU 000255 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 3) hsa-miR- 000502 UAACACUGUCUG MIMAT0 Life 200a-3p GUAACGAUGU 000318 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 4) hsa-miR- 000413 UAGCACCAUUUG MIMAT0 Life 29b-3p AAAUCAGUGUU 000100 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 5) hsa-miR- 000491 CUGACCUAUGAA MIMAT0 Life 192-5p UUGACAGCC 000222 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 6) hsa-miR- 000524 AGCUACAUUGUC MIMAT0 Life 221-3p UGCUGGGUUUC 000278 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 7) hsa-miR- 000439 AGCAGCAUUGUA MIMAT0 Life 103a-3p CAGGGCUAUGA 000101 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 8) hsa-miR- 002623 UUAAUGCUAAUC MIMAT0 Life 155-5p GUGAUAGGGGU 000646 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 9) hsa-miR- 000498 CCCAGUGUUCAG MIMAT0 Life 199a-5p ACUACCUGUUC 000231 technologies (SEQ ID NO: 10)

Data used in the construction of the algorithm were in Cq format. The Cq Determination mode was Regression.

Statistical Analysis Objective and Definition

The objective of these analyses was to discover biomarkers that can be related to the identification of NASH patients to be treated. Patients to be treated (TBT) were defined as:

-   -   Fibrosis stage≥2 and     -   NAS≥4 and     -   Lobular inflammation grade≥1 and     -   Steatosis grade≥1 and     -   Ballooning grade≥1.

Other patients were stated as not to be treated (NTBT). For the analysis, TBT patients were categorized as 1 and NTBT as 0 in the response variable. As shown above, explicative variables encompassed a wide range of biomarkers measured in blood (hematology, biochemistry, coagulation, liver markers, circulating miRNA) or in urinary (dipstick, sediment) samples, as long as demographic (age, sex, race), region (study centre, country, continent) or medical (diabetes) recordings.

Dataset Management

The dataset used in this study was coming from the Golden-505 trial and was initially composed of 274 patients and 121 variables. The dataset management included the following steps:

-   -   1. Removal of 28 patients without miRNAs measurement     -   2. Removal of 9 variables with more than 10 missing values     -   3. Removal of 7 patients with extreme values and 28 with         remaining missing values

It resulted in a dataset with 211 patients and 112 variables that were used to test collinearity between explicative variables.

Test of Collinearity

Pearson correlation was calculated two by two between quantitative variables. When two variables presented a correlation superior to 0.7, univariate test of difference in their mean in relation to the response variable defining patients TBT were done. The selected variable was the more significant. The collinear and selected variables are presented in Table 2.

Thirty-five unique collinear variables where removed and the final dataset used in the analysis included 77 variables (patient id, response variable, 5 histological grades and 70 explicative variables) and 211 patients (95 TBT and 116 NTBT).

TABLE 3 Selected and dropped variables in collinearity test Selected variables in collinear variables Dropped variables in collinear variables GLP_HOMA_IR GLP_IN'SPMOLL GLP_CPEPTID_NMOLL INMK_CK18_M65_UL LVBP_CK18_M30_PMOLL LBBC_AST_UIL LBBC_ALT_UIL INMK_FGF_21_PGML SFMK_HOMOCYS_UMOLL LBBC_HBA1C_PERC LBBC_GLU_FAST_MMOLL GLP_GLU_FAST_MMOLL GLP_FRUCTO_UMOLL LBHA_BASO_10_9_L LBHA_BASO_PERC LBHA_EOSINO_10_9_L LBHAKOSINO_PERC LBHA_HEMATO_VV LBHA_HEMO_GL LBHA_RBC_COUNT_10_12_L LBHA_LEUKO_10_9_L LBHA_NEUTRO_10_9_L LBHA_LYMPHO_PERC LBHA_NEUTRO_PERC LBHA_PROTHR_TIME_SEC LBHA_NR LBHA_PROTHR_TIME_PERC LBHA_RETICULO_10_9_L LBHA_RETICULO_RBC LBLP_LIPOPRINT_HDL_MGDL LBLP_HDL_MMOLL LBLP_APOA1_MGDL LBLP_LIPOPRINT_IDLA_MGDL LBLP_LIPOPRINT_LDL_ 1_MGDL LBLP_LIPOPRINT_IDLB_MGDL LBLP_NHDL_MMOLL LBLP_LIPOPRINT_IDLC_MGDL LBLP_TC_MMOLL LBLP_LDL_MMOLL LBLP_APOB_MGDL LBLP_ NHDL_ MMOLL LBLP_LIPOPRINT_LDL2_MGDL LBLP_APOB_MGDL LBLP_NHDL_MMOLL LBLP_TG_MMOLL LBLP_VLDL_MMOLL LBLP_LIPOPRINT_VLDL_MGDL LVMK_HSA_MIR103_ LVMK_HSA_MIR155_ LVMK_HSA_MIR199A_ LVMK_HSA_MIR221_ MULTI1_CQ MULTI1_CQ MULTI1_CQ MULTI1_CQ LVMK_HSA_MIR34A_ LVMK_HSA_MIR122_ LVMK_HSA_MIR192_ MULTI1_CQ MULTI1_CQ MULTI1_CQ URI_SPECGRAV URI_CREAT_GL WAIST BMI WEIGHT Variables Parameter GLP HOMA IR Homeostatic Model Assesment (HOMA-IR) INMK CK18 M65 UL Cytokeratin-18 (CK18) (M65) INMK_FGF_21_PGML FGF21 LBBC_HBA1C PERC HbAlc LBHA_BASO_10_9_L Basophils (abs.) LBHA_EOSINO_10_9_L Eosinophils (abs) LBHA_HEMATO_VV Hematocrit LBHA_LEUKO_10_9_L Leukocytes LBHA_LYMPHO PERC Lymphocytes (%) LBHA_PROTHR TIME SEC Prothrombin time (sec) LBHA_RETICULO 10 9 L Reticulocytes (abs.) LBLP_LIPOPRINT_HDL_MGDL High-density lipoprotein (HDL) LBLP_LIPOPRINT_IDLA_MGDL Intermediate-density lipoprotein LBLP_LIPOPRINT_IDLB_MGDL Intermediate-density lipoprotein LBLP_LIPOPRINT_IDLC_MGDL Intermediate-density lipoprotein LBLP_LIPOPRINT_LDL2_MGDL low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) LBLP_TG_MMOLL Triglycerides ivmk_hsa_mirl03_multi1_cq miRNA103 ivmk_hsa_mir34a_multi1_cq miRNA34a URI_SPECGRAV Specific gravity GLP_INS_PMOLL insulin LVBP_CK18_M30_PMOLL cytokeratin-18 (CK18) (M30) SFMK_HOMOCYS_UMOLL homocysteine LBBC_GLU_FAST_MMOLL glucose LBHA_BASO_PERC basophils (%) LBHA_EOSINO_PERC eosinophils (%) LBHA_HEMO_GL hemoglobin LBHA_NEUTRO_10_9_L neutrophils (abs) LBHA_NEUTRO_PERC neutrophils (%) LBHA_INR INR LBHA_RETICULO_RBC reticulocytes (% of RBC) LBLP_HDL_MMOLL high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) LBLP_LIPOPRINT_LDL1_MGDL low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) LBLP_NHDL_MMOLL non HDL-C LBLP_TC_MMOLL total cholesterol LBLP_APOB_MGDL apolipoprotein B (Apo B) LBLP_VLDL_MMOLL calculated Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C) ivmk_hsa_mirl55_multil_cq miR155 ivmk_hsa_mirl22_multil_cq miR122 URI_CREAT_GL creatinine bmi body mass index GLP_CPEPTID_NMOLL C-peptide LBBC_AST_UIL Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) GLP_GLU_FAST_MMOLL glucose LBHA_RBC_COUNT_10_12_L RBC Count LBHA_PROTHR_TIME_PERC Prothrombin time LBLP_APOAl_MGDL Apolipoprotein Al (Apo Al) LBLP_LDL_MMOLL Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) LBLP_LIPOPRINT_VLDL_MGDL Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ivmk_hsa_mirl99a_multi_l_cq miR199a ivmk_hsa_mirl92_multil_cq miR192 LBBC_ALT_UIL Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) GLP_FRUCTO_UMOLL Fructo samine lvmk_hsa_mir221_multil_cq miR221

Median Model

Dataset was partitioned one million times in ⅔ training set and in ⅓ verification set, stratified on TBT and NTBT patient distribution. In these different possible partitions, 27,477 presented no significant difference between the training and verification sets in all explicative variables and histological grades and were used for analysis.

A logistic regression was performed between the response variable and 70 explicative variables, followed by a variable selection using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), in the 27,477 training sets. It resulted in 27,477 different coefficients for the 70 variables. The median model was created by combining variables with a median coefficient different from zero (Table 4).

TABLE 4 Results of median model (^(cor): collinear variable) Variables included in median model Coefficients l^(st)-3^(rd) quartiles Constant 25.13 18.39; 32.66 LVBP_A2M_GL 0.60 0.43; 0.77 LBBC_HBA1C_PERC ^(cor) 0.48 0.001; 0.69 LVB_P3NP 0.10 0.001; 0.14 lvmk_hsa_mir34a_multi1_cq ^(cor) −0.43 −0.60; −0.001 lvmk_hsa_mir200a_multi1_cq −0.45 −0.58; −0.31 LVBP_A2M_GL: Alpha 2 macroglobuline; LBBC_HBA1C_PERC: HbA1c; LVB_P3NP: N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III; lvmk_hsa_mir34a_multi1_cq: miR-34a; lvmk_hsa_ mir200a_multi1_cq: miR-200a.

The model was then verified by calculating the Area Under the ROC curve (AUC) for each of the 27.477 sets. The AUC was of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72-0.91). Using the median AUC, 3 thresholds were defined for predicting patients as TBT or NTBT:

-   -   1. The threshold closest to the point with 1-Specificity=0% and         Sensitivity=100% equalled 0.23. The corresponding contingency         table is presented in Table 5a and produced the following         indices:         -   Total accuracy: 80.28%         -   Sensitivity: 81.25%         -   Specificity: 79.49%         -   PPV (Positive Predictive Value): 76.47%         -   NPV (Negative Predictive Value): 83.78%     -   2. The threshold giving a sensitivity superior to 90% equalled         0.102. The corresponding contingency table is presented in Table         5b and produced the following indices:         -   Total accuracy: 63.38%         -   Sensitivity: 90.63%         -   Specificity: 41.03%         -   PPV (Positive Predictive Value): 55.77%         -   NPV (Negative Predictive Value): 84.21%     -   3. The threshold giving a specificity superior to 90% equalled         0.462. The corresponding contingency table is presented in Table         5c and produced the following indices:         -   Total accuracy: 70.42%         -   Sensitivity: 43.75%         -   Specificity: 92.31%         -   PPV (Positive Predictive Value): 82.35%         -   NPV (Negative Predictive Value): 66.67%

TABLE 5a Contingency table of TBT/NTBT patients observed and predicted by the median model and a threshold of 0.23. Predicted Observed NTBT(0) TBT(1) NTBT( 0) 31  8 TBT (1)  6 26

TABLE 5b Contingency table of TBT/NTBT patients observed and predicted by the median model and a threshold of 0.102. Predicted Observed NTBT(0) TBT(1) NTBT (0) 16 23 TBT (1)  3 29

TABLE 5c Contingency table of TBT/NTBT patients observed and predicted by the median model and a threshold of 0.462. Predicted Observed NTBT(0) TBT(1) NTBT (0) 36  3 TBT(1) 18 14

Bootstrap Model

Using all 211 patients a logistic regression was calculated as full model using all 70 explicative variables and an optimal model is obtained by selecting variables with the AIC (Table 6). The significance of variable coefficients was then tested using 1000 bootstrap samples (Table 6).

TABLE 6 Results of bootstrap model (^(cor): collinear variable) Variables included in median model Coefficients 95% CI Constant 21.35 5.26; 36.76 LVBP_A2M_GL 0.62 0.11; 1.07 LBBC_HBA1C_PERC ^(cor) 0.55 0.13; 1.02 LVB_P3NP 0.14 0.03; 0.23 lvmk_hsa_mir34a_multi1_cq ^(cor) −0.38 −0.77; −0.001 lvmk_hsa_mir200a_multi1_cq −0.39 −0.78; −0.04

Of outmost importance, it is very satisfying to note that the variables identified with the bootstrap model are the same as those identified with the median model described above. This observation strengthens the statistical relevance and confidence of these variables as predictive of NASH and of its stage or severity.

The optimal model is verified by calculating the AUC in 1000 bootstrap samples. The AUC was of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76-0.87). Using the AUC of the optimal model, 3 thresholds were defined for predicting patients as TBT or NTBT:

-   -   1. The threshold closest to the point with 1-Specificity=0% and         Sensitivity=100%, equalled 0.4343. The corresponding contingency         table is presented in Table 7a and produced the following         indices:         -   Total accuracy: 75.36%         -   Sensitivity: 74.74%         -   Specificity: 75.86%         -   PPV: 71.72%         -   NPV (Negative Predictive Value): 78.57%     -   2. The threshold giving a sensitivity superior to 90% equalled         0.2319. The corresponding contingency table is presented in         Table 7b and produced the following indices:         -   Total accuracy: 65.88%         -   Sensitivity: 90.53%         -   Specificity: 45.69%         -   PPV (Positive Predictive Value): 57.72%         -   NPV (Negative Predictive Value): 85.48%     -   3. The threshold giving a specificity superior to 90% equalled         0.6465. The corresponding contingency table is presented in         Table 7c and produced the following indices:     -   Total accuracy: 73.46%         -   Sensitivity: 52.63%         -   Specificity: 90.52%         -   PPV (Positive Predictive Value): 81.97%         -   NPV (Negative Predictive Value): 70.00%

TABLE 7a Contingency table of TBT/NTBT patients observed and predicted by the bootstrap model and a threshold of 0.4343. Predicted Observed NTBT(0) TBT(1) NTBT (0) 88 28 TBT(1) 24 71

TABLE 7b Contingency table of TBT/NTBT patients observed and predicted by the bootstrap model and a threshold of 0.2319. Predicted Observed NTBT(0) TBT(1) NTBT (0) 53 63 TBT (1)  9 86

TABLE 7c Contingency table of TBT/NTBT patients observed and predicted by the bootstrap model and a threshold of 0.6465. Predicted Observed NTBT (0) NTBT (0) TBT(1) TBT (1) 105 11  45 50 Comparison to other NASH scoring methods

Methods to establish NASH scores were previously described in literature:

-   -   the Angulo Index (Angulo et al, 2007)     -   ELF (Guha et al, 2008) (see also the ELF specification sheet         http://www.healthcare.siemens.com/clinical-specialities/liver-disease/elf-test-now-avail)     -   Fibrotest (Ratziu et al, 2006)     -   Fibrometer (Cales et al, 2009)     -   FLI (Bedogni et al, 2006)     -   Steatosis Grade or SteatoTest (Poynard et al, 2005)

The inventors thus evaluated the NASH score of the invention to a number of these previous methods. FIGS. 1A-1G show comparison of the NASH scoring according to the method of the invention derived from the Bootstrap model (FIG. 1A) with existing scores.

The data presented herein show a spectacular improvement of the accuracy of the identification of NASH patients, or potential NASH patients, determination of NASH activity, stage or severity. This finding is of outmost importance and will be an invaluable tool to improve patient management efficiency.

FURTHER OBJECTS DISCLOSED HEREIN

The present disclosure relates in particular to the following objects:

1. A method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, comprising the measure of the level of at least one blood, serum or plasma circulating micro-RNA marker of NASH and at least one other blood, serum or plasma circulating marker of liver damage.

2. The method according to object 1, comprising the step of measuring the level of at least one marker selected from either group (i), (ii) or (iii), and at least one marker selected from either group (iv) or (v) defined as follows:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin     -   (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III     -   (iv) hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p)     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

3. The method according to object 1 or 2, comprising the implementation of the following measures from a blood, serum or plasma sample of said subject:

-   -   (i) determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of HbA1c, fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level;     -   (iii) determining the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of         collagen type III;     -   (iv) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of hsa-miR-34, hsa-miR-122 and hsa-miR-192;         and     -   (v) determining the level of hsa-miR-200;         wherein an increase in said levels relative to that of a control         sample is indicative of NASH and/or of the activity, the stage,         or the severity of NASH.

4. The method according to object 2 to 3, wherein:

-   -   measure (ii) comprises determining the level of at least HbA1c;         and/or     -   measure (iv) comprises determining the level of at least         hsa-miR-34.

5. The method according to any one of objects 1 or 4, comprising determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 and hsa-miR-200.

6. The method according to any one of objects 2 to 5, wherein a NASH score is calculated from the levels determined in measures (i) to (v) and wherein NASH is diagnosed and/or NASH stage or activity or severity is determined on the basis of said NASH score.

7. The method according to object 6, wherein a NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function:

$S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$

wherein:

Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F

wherein:

S is the NASH score;

A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L;

B is the level of HbA1c in percent;

C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL;

D is the level of hsa-miR-34 in Cq;

F is the level of hsa-miR-200 in Cq;

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and 0.

8. The method according to object 7, wherein:

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0.001 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0.001 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and −0.001;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and −0.04.

9. The method according to object 7 or 8, wherein a NASH score higher than a threshold value comprised between 0.102 and 0.6465 is indicative of a severe NASH, or of a moderate or high NASH activity.

10. The method according to object 9, wherein:

k is equal to 25.13;

a is equal to 0.60;

b is equal to 0.48;

c is equal to 0.1;

d is equal to −0.43; and

f is equal to −0.45;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.102 and 0.462, and is more particularly equal to 0.23.

11. The method according to object 9, wherein:

k is equal to 21.35;

a is equal to 0.62;

b is equal to 0.55;

c is equal to 0.14;

d is equal to −0.38; and

f is equal to −0.39;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.2319 and 0.6465, and is more particularly equal to 0.4343

12. A method for classifying a subject as a receiver or non receiver of a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), comprising the measure of the level of at least one blood, serum or plasma circulating micro-RNA marker of NASH and at least one other blood, serum or plasma circulating marker of liver damage.

13. The method according to object 12, comprising the step of measuring the level of at least one marker selected from either group (i), (ii) or (iii), and at least one marker selected from either group (iv) or (v) defined as follows:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin     -   (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III     -   (iv) hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p)     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

14. The method according to object 12 or 13, comprising the implementation of the following measures from a blood, serum or plasma sample of said subject:

-   -   (i) determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of HbA1c, fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level;     -   (iii) determining the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of         collagen type III;     -   (iv) determining the level of at least one marker selected in         the group consisting of hsa-miR-34, hsa-miR-122 and hsa-miR-192;         and     -   (v) determining the level of hsa-miR-200;

wherein a NASH score is calculated from the levels determined in measures (i) to (v) and wherein the subject is classified as a receiver or non receiver of the treatment for NASH based on said score.

15. The method according to object 13 or 14, wherein:

-   -   measure (ii) comprises determining the level of at least HbA1c;         and/or     -   measure (iv) comprises determining the level of at least         hsa-miR-34.

16. The method according to any one of objects 13 to 15, comprising determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 and hsa-miR-200.

17. The method according to object 16, wherein the NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function:

$S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$

wherein:

Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F

wherein:

S is the NASH score;

A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L;

B is the level of HbA1c in percent;

C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL;

D is the level of hsa-miR-34 in Cq;

F is the level of hsa-miR-200 in Cq;

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and 0.

18. The method according to object 17, wherein:

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0.001 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0.001 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and −0.001;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and −0.04.

19. The method according to any one of objects 17 or 18, wherein the subject is classified as a receiver of the treatment if S is higher than a threshold value comprised between 0.102 and 0.6465.

20. The method according to object 19, wherein:

k is equal to 25.13;

a is equal to 0.6;

b is equal to 0.48;

c is equal to 0.1;

d is equal to −0.43; and

f is equal to −0.45;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.102 and 0.462, and is more particularly equal to 0.23.

21. The method according to object 19, wherein:

k is equal to 21.35;

a is equal to 0.62;

b is equal to 0.55;

c is equal to 0.14;

d is equal to −0.38; and

f is equal to −0.39;

and wherein the threshold value is comprised between 0.2319 and 0.6465, and is more particularly equal to 0.4343.

22. A method for calculating a NASH score which is indicative of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or of the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, wherein said score is based on the measure of at least one marker selected from either group (i), (ii) or (iii), and at least one marker selected from either group (iv) or (v) defined as follows:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin     -   (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose level,         fructosamine level     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III     -   (iv) hsa-miR-34 (in particular hsa-miR-34a, more particularly         hsa-miR-34a-5p), hsa-miR-122 (in particular hsa-miR-122-5p) and         hsa-miR-192 (in particular hsa-miR-192-5p)     -   (v) hsa-miR-200 (in particular hsa-miR-200a, more particularly         hsa-miR-200a-3p).

23. The method according to object 22, wherein the following (i) to (v) measures are determined from a blood, serum or plasma sample of said subject:

-   -   (i) the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) the level of at least one marker selected in the group         consisting of HbA1c, fasting glucose level, fructosamine level;     -   (iii) the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III;     -   (iv) the level of at least one marker selected in the group         consisting of hsa-miR-34, hsa-miR-122 and hsa-miR-192; and     -   (v) the level of hsa-miR-200.

24. The method of object 23, comprising determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 and hsa-miR-200.

25. The method of object 24, wherein the NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function:

$S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$

wherein:

Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F

wherein:

S is the NASH score;

A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L;

B is the level of HbA1c in percent;

C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL;

D is the level of hsa-miR-34 in Cq;

F is the level of hsa-miR-200 in Cq;

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and 0.

26. The method according to object 25, wherein:

k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76;

a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07;

b is a number comprised between 0.001 and 1.02;

c is a number comprised between 0.001 and 0.23;

d is a number comprised between −0.77 and −0.001;

f is a number comprised between −0.78 and −0.04

27. The method according to object 25, wherein:

k is equal to 25.13;

a is equal to 0.6;

b is equal to 0.48;

c is equal to 0.1;

d is equal to −0.43; and

f is equal to −0.45.

28. The method according to object 25, wherein:

k is equal to 21.35;

a is equal to 0.62;

b is equal to 0.55;

c is equal to 0.14;

d is equal to −0.38; and

f is equal to −0.39.

29. A kit comprising means for determining the level of:

-   -   (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin;     -   (ii) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of         HbA1c, fasting glucose level, fructosamine level;     -   (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III;     -   (iv) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of         has-miR-34, hsa-miR-122and hsa-miR-192; and     -   (v) hsa-miR-200.

30. The kit according to object 29, comprising means for determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34 and hsa-miR-200.

31. A method for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject, comprising:

(a) diagnosing NASH or determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject according to the method of any one of objects 1 to 11;

(b) administering a treatment for NASH to said subject based on step (a).

32. A method for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject, comprising:

(a) classifying said subject according to the method of any one of objects 12 to 21;

(b) administering a treatment for NASH to the subject if said subject is classified as receiver of the treatment according to step (a).

33. The method according to object 31 or 32, wherein the treatment comprises administering to the subject a compound of formula (I):

wherein:

X1 represents a halogen, a R1, or G1-R1 group;

A represents a CH═CH or a CH2-CH2 group;

X2 represents a G2-R2 group;

G1 and G2, identical or different, represent an atom of oxygen or sulfur;

R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group, an aryl group or an alkyl group that is substituted by one or more halogen atoms, an alkoxy or an alkylthio group, cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkylthio groups or heterocyclic groups;

R2 represents an alkyl group substituted by at least a —COOR3 group, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, or heterocyclic groups.

R4 and R5, identical or different, representing an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

34. The method according to object 33, wherein the compound is selected in the group consisting of 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4- carboxydimethylmethyloxy phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-isopropyloxy carbonyldimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyldimethylmethyloxyphenyl] prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethylphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyl dimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethylphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1- one, 1-[4-trifluoromethyl oxyphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-tertbutyloxycarbonyldimethylmethyloxy phenyl] prop-2-en-1-one, 1-[4-trifluoromethyloxyphenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyl oxyphenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-3-oxo-propyl] phenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid, and 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[4-(methylthio) phenyl]-3-oxo-propyl]phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid isopropyl ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

35. The method according to object 33 or 34, wherein the compound is 1-[4-methylthiophenyl]-3-[3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxydimethylmethyloxy phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

36. The method according to object 31 or 32, wherein the treatment comprises administering to the subject a compound of Table 1.

REFERENCES

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Bedogni G, Bellentani S, Miglioli L, Masutti F, Passalacqua M, Castiglione A, Tiribelli C (2006) The Fatty Liver Index: a simple and accurate predictor of hepatic steatosis in the general population. BMC Gastroenterol 6: 33

Cales P, Laine F, Boursier J, Deugnier Y, Moal V, Oberti F, Hunault G, Rousselet M C, Hubert I, Laafi J, Ducluzeaux P H, Lunel F (2009) Comparison of blood tests for liver fibrosis specific or not to NAFLD. J Hepatol 50: 165-173

Guha I N, Parkes J, Roderick P, Chattopadhyay D, Cross R, Harris S, Kaye P, Burt A D, Ryder S D, Aithal G P, Day C P, Rosenberg W M (2008) Noninvasive markers of fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Validating the European Liver Fibrosis Panel and exploring simple markers. Hepatology 47: 455-460

Poynard T, Ratziu V, Naveau S, Thabut D, Charlotte F, Messous D, Capron D, Abella A, Massard J, Ngo Y, Munteanu M, Mercadier A, Manns M, Albrecht J (2005) The diagnostic value of biomarkers (SteatoTest) for the prediction of liver steatosis. Comp Hepatol 4: 10

Ratziu V, Massard J, Charlotte F, Messous D, Imbert-Bismut F, Bonyhay L, Tahiri M, Munteanu M, Thabut D, Cadranel J F, Le Bail B, de Ledinghen V, Poynard T (2006) Diagnostic value of biochemical markers (FibroTest-FibroSURE) for the prediction of liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. BMC Gastroenterol 6: 6 

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A method for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or for determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, comprising the steps of: (a) providing blood samples from said subject, (b) separating a cell-free, platelet free plasma sample from one of said blood sample, (c) extracting total RNA from said cell-free, platelet free plasma sample, and (d) measuring in one of said blood samples obtained in step (a) the level(s) of one or more markers of (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin, (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, each of which is measured by an antibody specific to it, and (e) measuring in total RNA extracted in step (c) one or both markers of (iv) hsa-miR-34a-5p and (v) hsa-miR-200a-3p, each of which is measured using a nucleic acid specific to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:4.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the separation of a cell-free, platelet free plasma sample from one of the blood samples of said subject comprises the following steps: adding the blood sample in a citrate containing tube, centrifugating said blood sample at 1,500×g for collecting the supernatant containing the cell-free plasma, and centrifugating said cell-free plasma at 13,000×g for collecting the supernatant containing the cell-free, platelet free plasma sample.
 19. The method according to claim 17, comprising the implementation of the following measures: (i) determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin; (ii) determining the level of HbA1c; (iii) determining the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III; (iv) determining the level of hsa-miR-34a-5p; and (v) determining the level of hsa-miR-200a-3p; wherein an increase in said levels relative to that of a control sample is indicative of NASH and/or of the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH.
 20. The method according to claim 17, wherein a NASH score is calculated from the levels determined in measures (i) to (v) and wherein NASH is diagnosed and/or NASH stage or activity or severity is determined on the basis of said NASH score.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein a NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function: $S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$ wherein: Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F wherein: S is the NASH score; A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L; B is the level of HbA1c in percent; C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL; D is the level of hsa-miR-34a-5p in Cq; F is the level of hsa-miR-200a-3p in Cq; k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76; a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07; b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02; c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23; d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0; f is a number comprised between −0.78 and
 0. 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein a NASH score higher than a threshold value comprised between 0.102 and 0.6465 is indicative of a severe NASH, or of a moderate or high NASH activity.
 23. A method for classifying a subject as a receiver or non receiver of a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), comprising the steps of: (a) providing blood samples from said subject, (b) separating a cell-free, platelet free plasma sample from one of said blood samples, (c) extracting total RNA from said cell-free, platelet free plasma sample, and (d) measuring in one of said blood samples obtained in step (a) the level(s) of one or more markers of (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin, (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, each of which is measured by an antibody specific to it, and(e) measuring in total RNA extracted in (c) one or both markers of (iv) hsa-miR-34a-5p and (v) hsa-miR-200a-3p, each of which is measured using a nucleic acid specific to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:4.
 24. The method according to claim 23, comprising the implementation of the following measures: (i) determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin; (ii) determining the level of HbA1c; (iii) determining the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III; (iv) determining the level of hsa-miR-34a-5p; and (v) determining the level of hsa-miR-200; wherein a NASH score is calculated from the levels determined in measures (i) to (v) and wherein the subject is classified as a receiver or non receiver of the treatment for NASH based on said score.
 25. The method according to claim 23, comprising determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-200a-3p wherein the NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function: $S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$ wherein: Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F wherein: S is the NASH score; A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L; B is the level of HbA1c in percent; C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL; D is the level of hsa-miR-34a-5p in Cq; F is the level of hsa-miR-200a-3p in Cq; k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76; a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07; b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02; c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23; d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0; f is a number comprised between −0.78 and
 0. 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the subject is classified as a receiver of the treatment if S is higher than a threshold value comprised between 0.102 and 0.6465.
 27. A method for calculating a NASH score which is indicative of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or of the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject, wherein said score is based on the steps of: (a) providing blood samples from said subject; (b) separating a cell-free, platelet free plasma sample from one of said blood samples, (c) extracting total RNA from said cell-free, platelet free plasma sample, and (d) measuring in one of said blood samples obtained in step (a) the level(s) of one or more markers of (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin, (ii) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, each of which is measured by an antibody specific to it, and (e) measuring in total RNA extracted in (c) one or both markers of (iv) hsa-miR-34a-5p or (v) hsa-miR-200a-3p, each of which is measured using a nucleic acid specific to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:4.
 28. The method of claim 27, comprising determining the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin, HbA1c, N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III, hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-200a-3p, wherein the NASH score is calculated according to the following logistic function: $S = \frac{e^{Y}}{1 + e^{Y}}$ wherein: Y=k+a*A+b*B+c*C+d*D+f*F wherein: S is the NASH score; A is the level of alpha 2 macroglobulin in g/L; B is the level of HbA1c in percent; C is the level of N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III in ng/mL; D is the level of hsa-miR-34a-5p in Cq; F is the level of hsa-miR-200a-3p in Cq; k is a number comprised between 5.26 and 36.76; a is a number comprised between 0.11 and 1.07; b is a number comprised between 0 and 1.02; c is a number comprised between 0 and 0.23; d is a number comprised between −0.77 and 0; f is a number comprised between −0.78 and
 0. 29. A kit comprising means for determining the level of: (i) alpha 2 macroglobulin; (ii) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of HbA1c, fasting glucose level, fructosamine level; (iii) N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III; (iv) at least one marker selected in the group consisting of has-miR-34a-5p; and (v) hsa-miR-200a-3p.
 30. The method according to claim 23, wherein the separation of a cell-free, platelet free plasma sample from one of the blood samples of said subject comprises the following steps: adding the blood sample in a citrate containing tube, centrifugating said blood sample at 1,500×g for collecting the supernatant containing the cell-free plasma, and centrifugating said cell-free plasma at 13,000×g for collecting the supernatant containing the cell-free, platelet free plasma sample.
 31. The method according to claim 27, wherein the separation of a cell-free, platelet free plasma sample from one of the blood samples of said subject comprises the following steps: adding the blood sample in a citrate containing tube, centrifugating said blood sample at 1,500×g for collecting the supernatant containing the cell-free plasma, and centrifugating said cell-free plasma at 13,000×g for collecting the supernatant containing the cell-free, platelet free plasma sample.
 32. A method for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject, comprising: (a) diagnosing NASH or determining the activity, the stage, or the severity of NASH in a subject according to the method of claim 17; (b) administering a treatment for NASH to said subject based on step (a), wherein the treatment comprises administering to the subject a compound of formula (I):

wherein: X1 represents a halogen, a R1, or G1-R1 group; A represents a CH═CH or a CH2-CH2 group; X2 represents a G2-R2 group; G1 represents an atom of oxygen; G2 represents an atom of oxygen or sulfur; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group, an aryl group or an alkyl group that is substituted by one or more halogen atoms, an alkoxy or an alkylthio group, cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkylthio groups or heterocyclic groups; R2 represents an alkyl group substituted by at least a —COOR3 group, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, or heterocyclic groups; R4 and R5, identical or different, representing an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 33. A method for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject, comprising: (a) classifying said subject as a receiver or non-receiver of a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) according to the method of claim 23; (b) administering a treatment for NASH to said subject based on step (a), wherein the treatment comprises administering to the subject a compound of formula (I):

wherein: X1 represents a halogen, a R1, or G1-R1 group; A represents a CH═CH or a CH2-CH2 group; X2 represents a G2-R2 group; G1 represents an atom of oxygen; G2 represents an atom of oxygen or sulfur; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group, an aryl group or an alkyl group that is substituted by one or more halogen atoms, an alkoxy or an alkylthio group, cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkylthio groups or heterocyclic groups; R2 represents an alkyl group substituted by at least a —COOR3 group, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, or heterocyclic groups; R4 and R5, identical or different, representing an alkyl group that is substituted or not by one or more halogen atoms, cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 